We all want a well mannered companion/Pet Pig, and sometimes one that can show off their natural amazing talents; that charm, wit and unique style. Learn from the experts how to understand and manage Pet Pig behavior. This section contains information and materials that can provide guidance in training and behavior.
 

Training
 

Training your pet pig is easy. They are smart, learn quickly and respond well. Trainers will tell you that there are as many methods of training as there are trainers. There is however two well defined schools of thought; “Targeting” (clicker training) and “Lure” (treat reward) or combinations of both.
 

What is “Clicker” training?
 

It’s a type of training that, at its essence, uses targeting (doing an action to a point) to engage the animal's mind, rather than its appetite. It allows the use of food to be maintained as a reinforcer of behavior, rather than a stimulant of behavior. The pet pig learns that a clicking sound signals the completion of a task well done. It enables trainers to be as creative as they wish, and to extend the applications of clicker training as far as they can imagine by connecting several actions
 

How dose Clicker training work with Pet Pigs?
 

”Clicker training is wonderful for pigs. They understand it right away and quickly will begin focusing on finding new ways to make you click. Clicker training can show us just how smart and interesting pigs really are”... Karen Pryor author and international authority on clicker training

What is “Lure” training?
 

“Lure” training uses a food reward that is directly connected to the behavior. Pavlov proved the technique by having a dog salivate at the sight of food. It’s the training method most of us are familiar with. You tell your pig to sit and when he dose, you give then a food reward. Some believe that it limits complex behavior and others find it easer to use.
At the farm we see both methods in wide use. They work well. It’s a matter of preference

Behavior
 

What is “Behavior Training”?
 

Unlike a dog or cat few people naturally understand pet pig behavior, it’s unique. Managing your pigs behavior will help you and you little friend enjoy each other and the time you spend together.
Understanding pet pig behavior is not intuitive it requires patients, a close relationship and empathy. It takes time…But its well worth it. A pet pig as a companion is a special gift. Fortunately there are people that understand their behavior and they can help you learn how to identify potential problems and turn them into opportunities to grow together.
The books DVD’s and tapes in this section will provide the basic.

You can also call the Ross Mill Farm…We will be glad to help. (215) 322-1539